Study Guide Final

Flashcards for BIOL-231 Unit 6 Study Guide

Cornea

Accessory structure of the eye; Refracts light.

Lens

Accessory structure of the eye; Focuses light on the retina.

Fibrous Layer

Outer layer of the eye; Includes the sclera and cornea.

Vascular Layer

Middle layer of the eye; Includes the choroid, ciliary body, and iris.

Inner Layer

Innermost layer of the eye; Contains the retina.

Retina

Neural layer of the eye; Contains photoreceptors (rods and cones).

Rods

Photoreceptors sensitive to low light levels; Responsible for black and white vision.

Cones

Photoreceptors responsible for color vision; Function best in bright light.

Blind Spot

Area on the retina lacking photoreceptors where the optic nerve exits the eye.

Outer Ear

Collects and funnels sound waves.

Middle Ear

Amplifies and transmits sound waves.

Inner Ear

Contains the cochlea and vestibular apparatus.

Cochlea

Structure in the inner ear responsible for sound transduction.

Vestibular Apparatus

Structure in the inner ear responsible for balance and equilibrium.

Otitis Media

Inflammation of the middle ear.

Tinnitus

Perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears.

Meniere's Syndrome

Disorder of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.

Endocrine System

System of glands that secrete hormones to regulate various bodily functions.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete substances through ducts.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands.

Humoral Stimulation

Hormone release caused by altered levels of certain critical ions or nutrients.

Neural Stimulation

Hormone release caused by neural input.

Hormonal Stimulation

Hormone release caused by another hormone.

Pituitary Gland

Endocrine gland connected to the hypothalamus; secretes various hormones.

Thyroid Gland

Endocrine gland in the neck; produces thyroid hormones.

Adrenal Gland

Endocrine gland located on top of the kidneys; consists of the adrenal cortex and medulla.

Pancreas

Gland that regulates blood glucose levels by secreting insulin and glucagon.

Type I Diabetes

Autoimmune disorder characterized by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells.

Type II Diabetes

Metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance.

Parathyroid Gland

Gland that regulates calcium levels in the blood.

Thymus

Gland involved in immune function.

Eicosanoids

Signaling molecules made from fatty acids; involved in paracrine signaling.